HEARTism Community Center is now a Certified Autism Center™, designated by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES). The community center staff have completed a training and certification program to build upon their ability to educate and help socialize children with special needs through the exploration of the arts, music, sensory movement and life.

“HEARTism is excited to be the first, and currently the only, Certified Autism Center™ in the state of Montana,” said Jessica Fitzpatrick, Executive Director at HEARTism. “Our certified professionals and volunteers are implementing their newly acquired techniques and skillset to help each child find success. These trainings and certifications are an important step for HEARTism and our community.”

In addition to the classes designed specifically to meet the needs of the Bitterroot Valley’s children with special needs, HEARTism is expanding services. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, HEARTism Community Center has shifted their focus from large group/community events to one-on-one therapy services such as occupational and physical therapy, music therapy, and hopefully soon, mental health support for families, as needed. They currently redesigned classes to be held outdoors with small groups or via Zoom. HEARTism staff are looking forward to the opportunity in the near future to come back together in communal spaces, as soon as it is safe to do so. Meanwhile, they are implementing innovative measures to meet the needs of the community.

“Specialized training and certification are needed so professionals who are working with individuals on the spectrum can help them flourish and thrive – we’re excited that HEARTism has taken the steps to be a leader in their area,” said Myron Pincomb, IBCCES Board Chairman.

For more than 20 years, IBCCES has been the industry leader in cognitive disorder training and certification for education, healthcare, and corporate professionals around the globe. IBCCES provides evidence-based training and certification programs created in conjunction with clinical and special education experts, along with individuals with autism, in order to provide professionals serving individuals with cognitive disorders a better understanding of what these disorders are, industry best practices, personal perspectives, and the latest research in these areas.

IBCCES also created CertifiedAutismCenter.com, as a free online resource for parents that lists certified locations and professionals. Each organization listed on the site has met Certified Autism Center™ (CAC) requirements.